Borgo dei Sapori Salentini

Borgo dei Sapori Salentini in Sternatia

Borgo dei Sapori Salentini is the summer festival that transforms the historic center of Sternatia, a small town in the province of Lecce, into a widespread celebration of taste, craftsmanship, and folk culture. Established in 2025, the event takes place every July and has quickly become a key summer highlight in Grecìa Salentina, a linguistic island where Griko, an ancient language of Greek origin, is still spoken.

A village turned into a stage

For three evenings, the town's streets, squares, and courtyards come alive with food stalls, artisan workshops, and exhibition spaces. Visitors wander through the historic center following a trail of sounds, folk dances, flavors, and stories in the Griko language—a way to rediscover the identity of Grecìa Salentina through direct experience. The event's iconic landmarks include the Dominican Convent, which hosts the food market and live cooking shows, and the historic underground oil mills carved into the rock, which are the focus of the trail dedicated to olive oil.

Flavors and local products

Gastronomy is the heart of the event. Along the route, visitors can sample the great classics of Salento cuisine: pittule, frise topped with oil and tomatoes, the pasticciotto pastry from Lecce, local cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, and regional wines. There is also a selection of craft beers and farm-to-table products provided by local agricultural businesses, with the involvement of Coldiretti Lecce.

Craftsmanship and artistic trades

Alongside the culinary offerings, Borgo dei Sapori celebrates the artistic trades of Salento. Artisans work live in the town center, demonstrating techniques involving Lecce stone, bobbin lace, terracotta, and embroidery. Organized in collaboration with Confartigianato Imprese Lecce, the festival hosts exhibitions dedicated to local artistic craftsmanship.

Music and entertainment

The evenings are accompanied by live music, cabaret shows, and the rhythms of pizzica and Salento folk music—the musical tradition that defines the entire Salento region and the Notte della Taranta. This formula blends food, wine, culture, and entertainment into one large, widespread event.

An event of the Puglia Region

Borgo dei Sapori Salentini is promoted by the Municipality of Sternatia with the support of the Puglia Region and the collaboration of local associations and Pro Loco. The 2026 edition is scheduled from July 11th to 13th; the detailed program with musical performances is usually released in the weeks leading up to the event. Admission is free and open to families, curious visitors, and enthusiasts of Salento culture.